Gaza’s civil defence agency says at least 50 people were killed overnight after Israeli air strikes hit several locations across the territory, describing the assault as “a clear and flagrant violation” of the US-brokered ceasefire.
Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said the strikes targeted tents for displaced persons, homes, and areas near hospitals, killing 22 children and injuring around 200 others.
The Israeli military launched the air raids after accusing Hamas of attacking its troops in Rafah, where a soldier, Yona Efraim Feldbaum, was killed when an engineering vehicle came under fire.
Hamas denied involvement in the incident, reiterating its commitment to the truce mediated by the United States.
US President Donald Trump, who brokered the ceasefire earlier this month, defended Israel’s response but maintained that “nothing’s going to jeopardise” the agreement.
“They killed an Israeli soldier, so the Israelis hit back. And they should hit back,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One during his ongoing Asia tour.
Hospitals in Gaza reported receiving numerous casualties, including children. Al-Awda Hospital confirmed that four children were among those killed in Nuseirat refugee camp, while Al-Shifa Hospital said one of the strikes landed in its backyard.
Residents expressed fear and frustration over the renewed hostilities. “It’s a crime. Either there is a truce or a war — it can’t be both,” said Khadija al-Husni, a displaced resident of Al-Shati camp.
The truce, which took effect on October 10, has been strained by disputes over the return of hostage remains. Israel accuses Hamas of breaching the agreement by delaying handovers, while Hamas says the bombardment has hindered recovery efforts.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 68,000 people have been killed in the territory since the conflict erupted in October 2023. Despite the ceasefire, the death toll continues to rise as bodies are recovered from the rubble.
